Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
A throaty growl rumbles from Chase’s throat and she gives him a teary smile.
It’s then I notice the love shining in my brother’s eyes. He stares at her with possessive tenderness and adoration. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have recognized the obvious emotions. But now, it’s everywhere I turn.
He’s totally in love with my best friend.
And she feels the same.
Everyone is right. How did I miss this?
Have they been hiding because of me?
A lump lodges in my throat and I lunge forward, wrapping my arms around her. She folds into me, returning the tight embrace, and whispers, “We didn’t mean for you to find out that way.”
“I certainly hope not,” I whisper back, knowing my grandparents don’t need to hear the gritty details of my discovery.
They seem to think I figured it out on my own.
Chase kisses the top of my head. “Love you, Squeak.”
That’s about the extent of the apology he’ll offer. I’ll take it.
He pulls Bex from my hold and ushers us both inside. Grandma is sitting on the arm of the sofa, holding Grandpa’s hand with a beaming smile. Sneaky woman.
“This place looks better.” He motions around my living room.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a week since I drove up on Joseph at my door and the events afterward. We’ve been busy cataloging everything damaged and ruined.”
“I would have helped you.” The hurt in Bex’s voice returns.
“There was no need for you to miss work, too. I already put the team in a bind, having to juggle my patient load.”
“You shouldn’t have had to do it alone.”
“Alone?” I scoff, covering my heart theatrically. “What is this alone you mention? I don’t even know the meaning of the word. I have babysitters… ahem, friends and family with me every minute Talon’s working.”
My attempt to humorize the situation backfires, and Bex’s expression turns pained. Chase’s eyes flicker with the same.
“I’m a bitch.”
They both tense.
“I’m the one who is sorry. My life has been topsy-turvy, but that is no excuse. The truth is, I was shocked when I learned you two were together. It was happening right before my eyes and I was ignorant. Everyone knew, even Mom. The shock wore off and my wounded pride settled in. Many times, I’ve picked up the phone to call or message, but I didn’t know what to say.”
“That’s why we stepped in, Willow. We knew you were struggling,” Grandma says softly. “Now is the time to get your answers and move on.”
“How long? When?” I blurt out.
“It surprised us, too. We’ve always been friends, but things evolved.” Bex glances at Chase anxiously.
“Things changed after you and Joseph broke up. Bex and I were worried about you and pissed at the situation. Spending time together led to more.” He takes her hand.
“The situation with Joseph happened over a year ago. Why hide?”
“That was all me. Like I said, there was a lot at risk. You and Wyatt being the most important.”
Many things dawn on me at once. “Oh my God! All those times you begged me to go out, you weren’t on the prowl.”
Bex grins shyly.
“No, she wasn’t,” Chase grunts.
“All our dinners, lunches, outings with Wyatt—you two have been together!”
Then another doozy slams into my memory. “That night at Tom’s… with Talon…the kiss… You told my brother.”
Bex shakes her head. “Not until much later. We still have a best friend code.”
“Okay, one more question. How did Mom know?”
“She most likely figured it out before I cut her off.” Chase’s assumption would mean Mom has known for a while.
“You deserve an award for Best Acting Performance.”
“Yeah, an award,” Chase grumbles. “Let’s not go there.”
“Is it alright, Wills?” Bex asks with returning uncertainty.
“I didn’t see it coming and may have acted a little selfish. Now I can’t think of anything more amazing. My gross brother and my beauty queen best friend make a picture-perfect couple.”
Relief and joy wash over her features and she leans into him. “He’s not that gross.”
“Thanks, babe.” He rolls his eyes. “Glad to know I’m not disgusting.”
“Added bonus, he has a precious little boy.”
“Yeah, it’s a package deal. Speaking of, where Is Wyatt?”
“He’s with Dad and Talon.”
“Talon’s at work.”
“Yeah, Dad took Wyatt up there to show him around the station. We have time. Put us to work.”
I glance around, gesturing to the boxes and bags. “We’ve mostly gotten it all. That is the last of the trash.”
“How much did Rylee destroy?”
His question shouldn’t shock me, but it does. “How’d you know?”
He cocks his eyebrow and shoots me his ‘are you shitting me’ look.
“Do you also know about paying Joseph? And she blames me for her downfalls?”
His stare doesn’t waver.
“Of course, you know all this. Dad is also using it to cover all the damage she caused as well as Wolf’s veterinary bills.”
“As it should be,” Bex snaps. “She should go to jail.”